Good evening!
Well unfortunately our derby horse did NOT prevail tonight but I always love to watch long shots win so I was actually pretty excited about Mine the Bird! I mean how could you not be excited about the biggest long shot in Kentucky Derby history?! Crazy stuff. The Preakness should be interesting, that’s for sure.
This afternoon my mom and I got our manicures and it was wonderful. We sat outside at the spa for about an hour beforehand, just relaxing, and the sweet spa girls brought us out a “happy meal” to share—
The little plate included raw almonds, grapes, cheese, raw honeycomb (!!) and toast points. I had one toast point with a smear of honey and a sliver of cheese and it was lovely. Check out the honeycomb they have for you to smear on stuff!
It was yummy.
When we got home from the spa, it was just about derby time but I was pretty hungry so I made a light snack. I had a few pieces of this:
With a bunch of red grapes—
We tried to lighten the mood a little bit by making Pom-tinis (vodka with POM juice) but upon taking a sip of mine, it felt like the liquor was daggers in my tummy so I ditched my drink and stuck to water.
One of our friends was sweet enough to bring dinner over this evening….I swear, the outpouring of love from the community through our tragedy has been nothing short of amazing. I don’t know if my mom will ever have to cook again! Anyways, Mary brought over homemade pork tenderloin, twice baked potatoes, salad, multi-grain bread and divine carrot cake cupcakes. I’m not a big potato girl, so I loaded my plate with salad (which was a mix of romaine, gorganzola, walnuts and strawberries), tender pork tenderloin and a slice of baguette—
I’m honestly not a big meat person AT ALL, as you all probably know by now, but this pork tenderloin was nothing short of amazing. She had marinated it in some sort of zesty marinade and it was extremely lean and tender. I almost got seconds!
And when someone brings homemade cupcakes that are still warm from the oven over to my house, you know what’s comin’…….
OMG is all I can say to this. There were specks of vanilla bean in the cream cheese frosting and the cupcake itself was tender and fluffy. It was worth every single crumb and I might have another tomorrow!!!
After dinner I made raw hummus for the week ahead out of Raw Food Real World. Its a combo of cashews, almonds, tahini, lemon juice and garlic and is pretty tasty…not to toot my own horn or anything. I think it’ll go perfectly with leftover tabbouli.
I also have my first dehydrating adventure going on right now but I’ll have to wait to see tomorrow as to how it’ll turn out. I sort of messed up the recipe because I wasn’t paying attention (halved the nuts but left the rest of the other ingredients as is…oops) so it might be a failure. 🙁
So, I haven’t really told you all yet, but I am in the process of moving in with Ryan. We actually decided to move in together two days before my brother died last week and then things just got crazy…obviously. I wasn’t going to go through with the move anymore after his death because I thought I should be with my parents, but we talked about and they both want me to live my own life and keep my original plan. Ryan has been my rock through all this tragedy and although the move isn’t coming at the best time, sometimes life forces us to go forward and we are both excited to start this new chapter of our life together. And, yes, he is a tad scared of all my kitchen appliances that keep rolling through the door, but I told him he can sometimes use my Vita Mix to make his morning smoothies so he’s happy about that.
I’m falling asleep typing this right now so I’m going to journal for awhile and call it a night. My mom bought me two new journals today from the bookstore and I’m so excited to get back to the pen and paper again. I emphasized in writing poetry in college (I majored in creative writing and had to pick an emphasis…fiction or poetry) and I need to get back to it now. Its a good time.
See you in the morning!
Gina
May 2, 2009 at 7:14 pmHi Jenna,
I just want to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your brother, but i want you to know it WILL GET EASIER and while you will always feel the loss, it won’t feel like your guts are being ripped out!! You are so strong and you just have to keep holding on. It’s different for everyone, but I felt that it took for me to go through one year or all four seasons to really feel less pain about the loss of an immediate family member. You are a wonderful writer and I always look forward to reading your blog. Best wishes, Gina
Shannon
May 2, 2009 at 7:17 pmYour nails look AWESOME. So does the yummy eats! So happy for you and your decision to move in with your boy. 🙂
becky
May 2, 2009 at 7:17 pmSounds like things are moving along…time is the best healer. How is Dexter dealing with new little Mikey?
jenna
May 2, 2009 at 7:43 pmBecky and weight and meditate,
Mikan and Mikey are staying at my parent’s house and Dexter is now with Ryan and I at “our” condo. Dexter hasn’t met Mikey yet but we are planning a play date for maybe tomorrow….I told him he was going to be a big brother!
Jennifer
May 2, 2009 at 7:26 pmThat honeycomb looks delicious. I am glad you decided to move in with your boyfriend. It took us some getting used to when me and my boyfriend moved in together, but it was a great decision! Can’t wait to see what you made in your dehydrator.
Tara
May 2, 2009 at 7:36 pmI’m so excited for you and Ryan! Congratulations 🙂
weight and meditate
May 2, 2009 at 7:39 pmCongratulations! I’m so happy you guys are moving in together…are Mikan and Mikey staying at your parent’s house?
Heather
May 2, 2009 at 7:41 pmThat raw hummus looks wonderful! I’ve tried raw zucchini hummus and I’m not really a fan, but I’m going to try a sprouted chickpea one soon to see how it goes. Congrats on the move! I know it’s happening at a tough time but the fact that he has been such a rock for you has solidified the choice that you’re making a good decision. I’m sure he won’t be complaining about all the kitchen appliances when he gets to sample all the goodies!
Brittney
May 2, 2009 at 7:43 pmThat cupcake looks delicious. I definitely won’t judge you if you have another tomorrow 🙂
Congrats on moving in with Ryan 🙂
Rachel
May 2, 2009 at 7:44 pmOh I’m so happy for you and Ryan. I live with my bf and it’s seriously so much fun. It is challenging sometimes but definitely worth it. He seems like such a sweetheart and I know it will be so much fun for ya’ll.
Amandamoo
May 2, 2009 at 7:48 pmI am so happy for you both. You seem to have such a loving and respectful relationship and I am sure you will continue to support and nurture each other as you grow. I’m still dedicating my practices to you and your family, please know that you’re still in my thoughts.
Katie
May 2, 2009 at 7:48 pmWhat a nice day you and your mom had! I love getting manicures with mine… we’ve been doing it since I was 11 and I hope that never changes.
Congratulations on the move-in with Ryan. I’m currently making the same decision, so I look forward to your tips!
Jen
May 2, 2009 at 7:49 pmWow, I’ve always wondered how to eat honeycomb! I guess you just eat it in the same way some people eat the skin on certain fruits?
I’m glad you’re getting back to your roots. I know you’ll fill up those new journals fast! 🙂
Lots of love!
Michelle
May 2, 2009 at 7:50 pmYour necklace looks beautiful on and your nails…they look great. Happy sleeping and moving in.
Tracy
May 2, 2009 at 8:10 pmHey Jenna, I’ve been trying to comment more since your brother passed, it’s like I don’t feel right reading your blog every day without a comment anymore! I think about you daily and am so happy to see that you and Ryan are moving in together…he seems like a fantastic guy and just what you need right now. I’m happy that you have something to look forward to in this hard time. God bless.
Angelea
May 2, 2009 at 8:34 pmJenna,
I know that you struggled with your faith and the decision to move in with Ryan. The exact same thing happened to me. We had decided to wait to live together until we were married, but first I had to graduate from college (four LONG years!) As Tom Petty says, “The waiting is the hardest part…” Towards the end, he stayed more and more at what was to be our first house and I really never had a problem with that. We felt that God had brought us together and had been in our relationship from the start. We were so committed to each other that we knew we were ONE already.
Blessings to you both! I know who will be the happiest about this move: DEXTER!
🙂
sue
May 2, 2009 at 8:38 pmWarm wishes to you ,Ryan and Dexter for the big “move in”!
The way Ryan was there in the emergency room for your brother and how supportive he is in general is a very positive sign that he will be able to be sensitive in your phases of grief.I wish I could meet a wonderful man like him!He will be there for you.
And your parents are obviously just amazing people to be able to think of your life in the big picture and encourage your move after such a tragic loss.I hope they are somehow doing ok.I don’t know how a parent can deal with losing a child.I hope they can support each other and give each other space to grieve-such a difficult mountain to climb.
Kiersten
May 2, 2009 at 8:53 pmYour new necklace looks very pretty on you! I hope everything goes well with the moving process. Maybe it’s just the thing you need right now to help you get through all of this.
Graze With Me
May 2, 2009 at 8:53 pmThe raw hummus sounds amazing, of course everything you make sounds amazing 🙂 Congrats on moving in w/Ryan and I hope this doesn’t mean you are going to stop posting pictures of Mikey – he just melts my heart each time I see his picture.
Allison
May 2, 2009 at 8:53 pmI’m so excited for you to begin this next chapter of your life with Ryan! I went to a Derby party tonight – we all got to pick a horse and I was rooting on Regal Ransom for you and John. He did so well up until the end! I just want you to know I’m still thinking of you and praying for you…and your necklace is beautiful by the way! LITB…allison
jessnyc
May 2, 2009 at 9:00 pmthat honeycomb looked amazing! what a nice treat to go with your manicure 🙂 what exciting moving news! it sounds like a really great step forward!
*Andrea*
May 2, 2009 at 9:03 pmgirl, of course you can toot your own horn! your raw hummus looks deeelish – i wish i had the devotion to make such lovely foods as you do 🙂 good luck with the moving in.. i’m sorry it had to come at such a bad time but your parents i’m sure will be there to support you in addition to ryan, and pursuing your original plan is definitely a good idea – especiall y since ryan has been there for you so much!! he’s a keeper
Lisa
May 2, 2009 at 9:10 pmBest of luck with your decision to move in with Ryan! I made the decision a few years ago when I moved in with my boyfriend (now husband), and I’m glad we did. You are still close to your folks, and I am sure you will be able to see them often. It will be a healthy distraction, I think, and it is a good time and decision to move forward with your life together. Just my two cents!!
Kimberly
May 2, 2009 at 9:12 pmI thought of you during the Derby! I, too, was thrilled by the incredible upset… did you ever read the “Thoroughbred” series as a kid? You would have LOVED them!
Congrats on moving in with Ryan! It’s pretty cool that you’re able to live with your boyfriend and still be within driving distance of the parents.
emily
May 2, 2009 at 9:20 pmthe honeycomb looks amazing, and Congrats on the move, how exciting!
Samantha
May 2, 2009 at 9:40 pmI can’t wait to watch replay of the Derby. I used to work in the equine industry on various level and miss it…but it aired while I was teaching Sunday School so no chance to watch it live.
That honeycomb looks amazing! YUM! As does the pork tenderloin. So nice of the community to take care of ya’ll in whatever way they can.
Enjoy writing and good luck with the move!
Joy
May 2, 2009 at 10:06 pmyayyyy for moving in with Ryan! how exciting! sounds like a good decision and it’s great of your parents to give their blessing. does this mean you’ll be taking dexter back?
and wow, that cupcake is making me drool 😉
Emily
May 2, 2009 at 10:11 pmYay for your exciting decision to move in with Ryan – you guys will be great together! 🙂
How is Mikey?
Anais
May 2, 2009 at 10:20 pmI was going to make a pork roast tomorrow and had forgotten to marinade it! I will now 🙂 Does the raw hummus have no chickpeas?
Hallie
May 2, 2009 at 11:04 pmGood luck with the move! Moving is so not fun…but worth it, obv. I’ve lived with my BF for over a year now and it’s been great (99% of the time). Good for you!
My guy bet $5 on Chocolate Candy just for me haha. It’s so cool that a long shot won…I don’t follow horse racing but we watched it today…pretty interesting and of course I love all the hats 🙂
Sarah (lovINmytummy)
May 2, 2009 at 11:04 pmWow, your life is changing so rapidly! Don’t forget to BREATHE. I think all of the changes will probably be good in helping you move through your grief. I know for me, during the tough times, if I could just MOVE through the pain, I could deal with the past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future. I pray that you’ll be able to do the same!
Love the necklace, dressed up or down!
Maja
May 2, 2009 at 11:17 pmJenna,
I never post on blogs, and I just happen to come to your’s about 2 weeks ago. I just wanted to reach out and say how sorry I am for your loss. I was truly touched by seeing your strength in continuing to blog and write and share your experience with this community. Also, this issue of gun safety has always been something I have felt very strongly about and seeing your story only made me more passionate about…I don’t exactly know what, but doing something so that these events won’t occur in the future. I just wanted to say something and show you that there are people who are reading and care, even if they have never met you. Continue doing whatever your doing, because you seem to be a very strong and inspirational girl. Thank you for spreading your strengh.
Stef
May 3, 2009 at 12:19 amBeautiful necklace, I think the significance behind it is perfect for you right now! I’m sorry your Derby horse didn’t win, but I’m glad it was still fun to watch! That “happy meal” at the spa looks soooo yummy, honey comb is the best! It’s great that you and your mom are keeping each other company, getting outside, and treating yourselves to things like manicures. You both REALLY need it!
Sarah (Tales of Expansion)
May 3, 2009 at 5:11 amwhat a pleasant afternoon with mom. you guys really needed that!
congratulations about deciding to move in with ryan. it’s been a long time coming, and i know you wouldn’t have made the decision if you didn’t feel right about it. and once you get through the headache of moving, you’ll have so much fun together!
and you’re right that this is an excellent time to get back to journaling. you seem to get so much healing and relief out of writing. i’m glad that you have it as an outlet!!
Beadie
May 3, 2009 at 5:46 amI am glad you are taking this step with Ryan. You guys are great together and I am so glad that he has been so supportive of you.
I love the necklace you bought from the yoga studio, it is beautiful.
Shannon @ TheDailyBalance
May 3, 2009 at 5:58 amCONGRATS! What a big step in your relationship — fantastic news! 😉
Mara @ What's For Dinner?
May 3, 2009 at 7:26 amCan I just say first, congratulations on moving in with Ryan! It was such an exciting day when I moved in with my fiance (before he was my fiance) because, for the first time, I really felt like an adult.
I was rooting for your horse yesterday!
Kelly
May 3, 2009 at 7:40 amYou are going to love living with Ryan 🙂 I live with my fiance (we moved in together before we were engaged) and it’s been so much fun! I also live 3 miles from my parents and for over a year I used their treadmill several days a week until I finally bought my own. I still go by there once or twice a week to visit. It’s nice to have them so close!
Jess
May 3, 2009 at 9:31 amI’m sure Ryan knows that those kitchen appliances will benefit him very soon.
Heather
May 3, 2009 at 12:11 pmThat is so exciting! Congrats on the big decision.
That cupcake looks amazing too by the way.
Samantha
May 3, 2009 at 12:59 pmwow, you did NOT just apologize for that… TOOT YOUR OWN HORN WHENEVER YOU WANT TO!! 🙂 that hummus does look mighty tasty… mmm…
Erin
May 3, 2009 at 8:52 pmCongrats on the decision to move in! What a wonderful thing to look forward to and be excited for, amidst your family’s pain right now. I’m happy you have such a good man in your life. *hugs*
heather
May 4, 2009 at 11:10 amyummy looking hummus, beautiful new necklace (so glad it’s helping you), and so excited for you & your fella!
Natalie
May 6, 2009 at 7:28 amThe hummus looks amazing! Congrats on the move. Sounds like you’ll be right where you need to be 🙂
Jennifer
May 11, 2009 at 10:54 amI am so excited for you and Ryan, good luck on your move. I am in the process of moving in with my boyfriend and he too is a bit overwhelmed at the amount of kitchen supplies I have!